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Week of November 10, 2003

Front Page

Housing and Economics

* Ongoing Immigration Influx Adding to Housing Demand
* Eye on the Economy

Multifamily

* Immigration Favorable for Demand for Rental Apartments

Business Management

* Improved Business Systems Yield Increased Productivity, Profitability

Building Quality

* KB Home First Big Builder to Adopt Housing Quality Program Nationally

Research

* New Technologies Can Reduce Residential Energy Consumption
* LifeWise Home Accommodates Aging in Place

Seniors Housing

* Free Booklet, Web Site Offer Strategies for Aging in Place
* There Are Five Easy Ways to Integrate Aging-in-Place Into New Home Construction

Small Builders and Remodelers

* Reducing Overhead Can See Businesses Through Lean Times
* Some Prefer Field Employees, Others Like Trade Contractors
* Remodelers Earn Top Industry Designation From NAHB

Labor

* HBI Job Corps Students Participate in ‘Make a Difference Day’

Women's Council

* Educational Programs Can Spice Up Your Meetings

Commercial Builders

* Revision of MasterFormat for Non-Residential Specifications Entering Final Phase

Building Products

* Building Science Firm Offers Services to Production Builders

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* Fire Relief Fund Announced by Southern California Builders
* Boost Your Marketing Through These Awards Programs
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

KB Home First Big Builder to Adopt Housing Quality Program Nationally

KB Home is adopting innovative quality assurance practices that were developed by the NAHB Research Center's  National Housing Quality (NHQ) Program, it was announced earlier this month, making the company the country’s first big builder to do so.

Based on the principles of the ISO 9000 quality management system but tailored to the specific needs of the home building industry, the NAHB Research Center’s NHQ Certified Trade Contractor Program is designed to train and certify all trades involved in the home building process — from the foundation to the roof.

The rigorous certification process emphasizes efficiency, accountability and communication on the job site.

“Quality has always been a top priority at KB Home, and we are constantly looking for new ways to deliver the best possible product to our customer,” said Bruce Karatz, chairman and chief executive officer of KB Home.


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“All of our operating divisions have quality assurance programs in place, but this comprehensive new program will ensure that every trade contractor in every market meets the same tough requirements set by the NAHB Research Center at a national level. This consistency in quality and process will be a tremendous advantage as we continue to aggressively expand our operations across the country.”

To become certified, contractors must complete 15 hours of classroom training; create a customized quality assurance program and manual; undergo random site evaluations; and participate in an annual audit in which they must demonstrate ongoing improvement in the quality of their work. Contractors are re-certified every year.

Companies are eligible for a certification audit once they have developed their own quality assurance plan, with guidance from the NAHB Research Center, and have implemented it for a minimum of three months.

In adopting the program throughout its operations nationwide, KB Home will eventually require all of its trades to become certified through the NAHB Research Center in order to continue doing work for the company.

KB Homes began its participation in the program with a successful pilot in its Las Vegas division.

The company is expanding the program this month throughout its Southern California operations, which will be followed by Texas next month; New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Northern California in January and February; and its Southeast operations after that.

For more information on the NHQ Program, e-mail Dean Potter, director of quality programs at the NAHB Research Center, or call him at 800-638-8556 x6267.


The University of Housing Offers Course in Quality Construction

The NAHB University of Housing offers a course on Quality Construction. Click here for to search for current offerings. Keyword search: “energy.”

For designation programs that will help you improve your business, click here.

Make Your Connection With www.nahb.org

Make your connection to the latest housing industry news and information with www.nahb.org — the official public and members-only Web site of NAHB.

Log in today to register for educational seminars, meetings and networking events; find important economic and housing data; and learn the latest developments in NAHB’s efforts to promote housing. It’s all available to you 24 hours a day at www.nahb.org. Just click the "Member Log In" button to get started.

If you are a member and need information about NAHB products and services, use the NAHB Staff Contact Directory to look up the direct telephone extensions for NAHB staff experts.


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